Applications reside within the system of organization. They can be applications which are either internal to the organization or which can be accessed through internet (known as Web Applications).

Many organizations get their critical applications developed from Software Development vendors, which can be

- Processing applications for Banks
- Payroll Applications
- MIS Applications
- Electronic Booking Applications
- Applications used by to control weapons
And many more….

The above listed applications are very critical to the core business and any inadequacy in the controls that exist over the input, processing and output functions in these applications, or in the work flow, can lead to huge problems in the form of business loss and bad name for the organization.

Even a simple application can fall foul of a mistake at the hands of a developer that will compromise its reliability and security. Once you add complexity, slipping deadlines and tight budgets, this possibility becomes almost a certainty. These application mistakes (known variously as bugs, flaws or vulnerabilities) could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to your confidential information or deny your customers access to your services; with potentially catastrophic results.

Some of these applications are increasingly using digital signature and other encryption techniques to protect the data. But sometimes the application of the digital signature technique itself is prone to errors, and can lead to a false sense of security.

Only a through independent auditing and verification you can ensure that you have taken all possible steps to ensure the safety of your application environment.

Functionality related problems are created when the requirements of the client are not captured completely or due to incomplete communication or if the processes used right from the level of capturing of requirements to development of software or testing the application are not mature. It is critical to identify those problems and know if the application (developed by the software vendor) matches the requirements of the client. These errors or functionality related problems should be identified at an early stage so that no surprises or problems are created later on.

Security problems are related to the security loopholes in any application. These can be of two types: Vulnerabilities arising due to Functional Security and those related to Technical Security.

Application testing is the process of actively evaluating application software to ensure that it has been developed within the guidelines of security best practice. The usual process for the project is that the applications are analyzed for design weaknesses and technical flaws and then the results of the application test are delivered in a comprehensive report.

Functional Security loopholes are related to work-flow and could be related to Assigned roles, privileges, Segregation of duties etc

Technical Security loop holes are related to un-validated parameters, buffer overflows, insecure use of cryptography, remote administration problems etc.

CyberQ Consulting Pvt. Ltd. has an expertise in the area of Process Improvement, Information Security and Application Assurance.

Application Assurance area covers Application Functional Audit and Application Security Audit.